Restoration: St. Germain's, (St Germanus) Wiggenhall, near Lynn, Norfolk

The well-known and interesting church of Wiggenhall, St. Germain's, near Lynn, is at last to be thoroughly repaired under the direction of Mr. Withers, architect. Thig church contains some of the most elaborate benches that remain in England, to restore which, and to replace high pews with open benching, similar to the existing ones, will cost a considerable sum of money. £2,500 will be required, irrespective of any decorative work There is room for similar work round Lynn, for the churches generally are sadly neglected, although amongst them are some of the grandest buildings extant. [Church Times 28 February 1863 page 29]

WIGGENHALL ST. GERMAIN'S, LYNN, NORFOLK - Among the four Wiggenhall churches, that dedicated to St. Germain is the most widely known by antiquarians, from its possessing the remains of the finest carved benches that exist in England; otherwise the fabric calls for little notice, save the lower portion of the tower, which is of Early English architecture, and contains a fine moulded and enriched western arch, the remainder being of Perpendicular character. Like most of the Marshland churches, it has fallen into a very serious state of decay: the modern roofs let in the rain, the tracery of the windows, and in some instances the windows themselves, are blocked up, and the earth has been allowed to accumulate to a great height around all the walls. The area is fitted with high and square pews, in many instances wantonly destroying some of the old benches. So that, dirt, damp, and decay having done their worst, to save the fabric from utter ruin, the present incumbent, the Rev. H. Edwards, has upon himself the task of collecting money to put the whole church into a thorough state of repair and renovation. The architect to the restoration is Mr. Withers, of 51, Doughty-street, London, and the estimated cost of the intended works is a little short of £3000. The accompanying engraving shows the intended new roofs and new interior arrangements generally. This church is situated within a few yards of the west bank of the Ouse, and almost immediately opposite to the sluice which so disastrously gave way last year, and inundated the district. The nave floor is considerably under high-water mark, the tidal waters being kept from overflowing the low lands by the now well-known Marshland banks. [Civil Engineer and Architects Journal 1 June 1863 page 155]

Reference    Church Times 28 February 1863 page 29
Reference    Ecclesiologist April 1864 page 119 – church restorations
Reference    Civil Engineer and Architects Journal 1 June 1863 page 155 with engraving of interior